Tuesday, January 05, 2010

WEEI reports that the Boston Red Sox are on the verge of a deal that will send ex-Angel Casey Kotchman to Seattle. Originally reported by Buster Olney of ESPN, the return is unknown at this time, but is expected to be a minor leaguer. Rotoworld suggests he will be eligible for a $5M payday in his final year of arbitration eligibility.

Related: The Mariners long-termed center fielder Franklin Gutierrez on a 4-year/$20.5M deal. This buys out his remaining arbitration year and gives him security in the early, productive part of his career at a below market price.

Update:Ken Rosenthal says the return on the Kotchman trade is Bill Hall.